Month / January 2015

Hello, My Name is Mom and I am an Enabler – “The truth is, I usually choose to lug the backpack myself because I like to be in control. If I do it—the backpack hauling, gym shoes packing, schoolwork double-checking—then it gets done, and it gets done right. Which means I can effectively prevent oversights from inconveniencing my day.”

Do You Believe God Will Save Your Kids? – “The math is simple: If all the good things I do count toward their salvation, then all the bad things must count toward their perdition. And if that is the case, I, of all fathers, am most to be pitied.”

The Moral Argument – A short video exploring the idea of whether or not we can be good without God.

Are You Too Sensitive? “There really is a choice when we are hurt or offended. And there is such power and freedom in absorbing the offense and making the choice to pursue love instead of sinking into sadness or bitterness.”

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Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage,
And He will strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.

Some Points of Interest I found to share today…

A beautiful and sobering look at the remains of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. It is overwhelming to imagine the suffering of the victims there in grip of such evil, both captives and captors. We must never forget! This link is to the long version, but if you prefer the shorter one it can be found here

Theology Nerd – I can relate to this so much! Anyone else? “Hello, my name is Susan and I am a Theology Nerd…”

Set Apart Motherhood – An interview with author Leslie Ludy on her new book, Set Apart Motherhood. Here is an excerpt: “A lot of moms today are frazzled, stressed, and defeated. Our society says this is normal. My book “Set Apart Motherhood” was written to help moms discover how beautiful and fulfilling motherhood can be when Christ is at the center of it!”

Scripture Typer – If anyone is looking for a help on memorizing God’s Word, I’ve found this program to be great! I have it on my computer and on my phone. I am truly without excuse…

And since I’m on the subject, here is my other favorite Bible App for daily reading. It is loaded with options and a huge choice of reading plans. You can even connect with others who have reading plans and have it send you reminders. If you want accountability, innumerable choices or just organization, take a look at what they offer. Another way I am without excuse for getting in God’s Word so it can get into ME.

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,
where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold
Thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
deepest wells,
and the deeper the wells the brighter
Thy stars shine;

5. https://medium.com/thelist/two-years-to-no-lies-35a4da8a92f6 – Two Years to No Lies. Although I have no real information on the background of this author, I found this an interesting read on someone who made a vow to never tell another lie for the rest of her life. As far as I can tell, she is undertaking this in a purely secular sense, that is apart from God and any consideration of or reliance upon Him. I would find that difficult, if not impossible.

I think this Infographic is great. I plan on memorizing ALL of these!

Psalm 43:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Kindle Deal: What’s Best Next by Matt Perman $3.99. This made the list of Challies’ top books of 2014 and I have benefited greatly by reading and implementing it in my own life. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

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Here are some of my picks from here and there as I jump around the web reading today. Also, I’m including some not so new articles, just because I think they are relevant as we come to the end of our first month of the new year.

10 Reasons to Read the Bible – Erin Davis gives some 10 reasons to read your Bible. Even if it wasn’t a “resolution” you made at the start of the new year, its never too late to jump in.

One to One Bible Reading – A simple and uncomplicated guide to studying the Bible that is flexible and easily adapted for any size group or even by yourself. I have been using this personally for a few months and find it works very well.

All Paths Lead to God – Kevin De Young writes, “All paths lead to God, but only one path will present you before God without fault and with great joy. Pick a path, any path–it will take you to God. Trust me: you will stand before Him one day. You will meet your Maker. You will see the face of Christ”

Aging Gracefully -“It is vitally important that we teach our daughters that aging isn’t a death sentence; it’s the result of living. The lines on my face have been carved by hours of laughter and tears. My brow has been furrowed by worry over a sick child, job loss, and death. Stretch marks and scars give testimony to God’s faithfulness. The gray hair hasn’t come yet, but I pray that when it does I will accept it as a crown of glory and not something to be covered up.”

How to Combat the Demonic – “If you want to fight the demonic, don’t focus on the demons at all; just let Jesus be large in your life.”

Jesus is Better than Ice Cream – “Here’s the huge, massive, completely life-altering truth we need every day of our lives: Because of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross, we can run our race. He makes it happen. He gives us the strength to run. He gives us the grace to set aside our sin. He’s the Prize at the finish line. So in my daily Christian life—which is a long, grueling marathon, not an easy, breezy sprint—what am I looking unto?”